Blue Quantum Fog: Chiral Condensation in Quantum Helimagnets

TL;DR

The paper proposes that a chiral order parameter condensation transition occurs in itinerant helimagnets like MnSi, explaining recent neutron scattering results and predicting testable experimental outcomes.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of chiral condensation transition in quantum helimagnets, drawing an analogy with liquid crystal phases, and links it to experimental observations in MnSi.

Findings

Chiral condensation transition can occur in itinerant helimagnets.

The transition explains recent neutron scattering results in MnSi.

Predictions are made for experimental verification.

Abstract

It is shown that a condensation transition involving a chiral order parameter can occur in itinerant helimagnets, in analogy to the transition between the isotropic phase and the phase known as blue fog or blue phase III in cholesteric liquid crystals. It is proposed that such a transition is the explanation for recent neutron scattering results in MnSi. Predictions are made that will allow to experimentally test this proposal.